Boo at the Zoo is a fun way for families to trick or treat and enjoy Halloween festivities

in a safe and unique environment, and all of our candy is made with sustainable palm oil to help protect wild orangutans!

Put on your costume and bring y

our trick-or-treat bag and flashlight to the wildest Halloween event in town. It’ll be a frightfully good time!

New in 2017: Reserve your spot and save money by purchasing your tickets online in advance. A limited number of tickets are available each night; admission will be $3 more at the gate! Tickets go on sale Monday, September 18.

Discounted tickets purchased online (senior discounts and military discounts) will only be valid at the front gate when accompanied by valid form of identification. (For a list of accepted military identifiers please visit cmzoo.org/boo)

]]>http://www.dreamhomescoloradosprings.com/Blog/Boo-at-the-Zoohttp://www.dreamhomescoloradosprings.com/Blog/Boo-at-the-ZooSat, 21 Oct 2017 01:00:00 GMTThe Waldo Waldo 5KThe Waldo Waldo 5K is a fun and unique event for people of all-abilities including many first time 5K’ers, families, corporate teams, military teams, firefighters, experienced wheelchair users, and even community members who were deeply affected by the fires. Let’s make 2017 the best Waldo Waldo 5K ever! Food trucks, beer garden, exhibitors, and music when you get done with the 5K!

Costume Included!
​The $35 registration fee comes with a Waldo or Wenda costume kit (characters from the popular "Where's Waldo?" children’s books) that includes a shirt, hat and glasses! The price increases to $40 the morning of the event.

A Good Cause
The money raised benefits local nonprofits that support Waldo Canyon restoration, disaster relief and fire recovery, and trails and open space maintenance in Colorado Springs and the surrounding community.

The 11th Annual Purely Ponds Parade of Ponds is a self-guided charity pond and waterfall tour will be held from 9am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday, June 24th – 25th, 2017. The Parade of Ponds will hold tour stops throughout Colorado Springs and the surrounding area. Proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club with a matching donation from Purely Ponds Fine Landscapes. To learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pikes Peak Region, visit www.bgcppr.org.

This is a great chance for serious water gardeners to share their piece of paradise with the public. In addition, this is an excellent community event and opportune time to show our support of the local Boys & Girls Club.

Our ecologically balanced waterscapes facilitate relaxation to the soothing sounds of water, a peaceful panorama of the naturalistic water garden, and a friendly fish community. Purely Ponds Parade of Ponds ticket book with tour maps are just five dollars per ticket and will be available in May online at www.purelyponds.com. Our sponsor, Pioneer Sand Company, also will have tickets books with map available at all three Pioneer Sand locations in Colorado Springs, Monument, and the Black Forest.

For more information about Purely Ponds Fine Landscapes’ ecosystem-friendly water gardening or the Purely Ponds Parade of Ponds, contact Jessica at jessica@purelyponds.com or by phone at 719-896-0038. Please visit our website at www.purelyponds.com. Purely Ponds Fine Landscapes is the local water feature and fine landscapes specialist. We specialize in design and installation of the areas most natural experience in ponds, pondless waterfalls, streams, stone fountains, and also offering xeriscaping, outdoor kitchens, patios and all fine landscaping options. Purely Ponds Fine Landscapes is a member of the Better Business Bureau and the Housing & Building Association.

Colorado Springs St Jude Dream Home Giveaway St Jude Children’s Research Hospital will give away a new home on June 2017 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Tickets for the home and many other prizes will make a difference in the lives of children with cancer. This years home is being built by Covington homes and is located in banning Lewis Ranch. Last year over $800,000 was raised for St Jude Children's Hospital in Colorado Springs. Tickets will be available on March 29, 2017 to win a home and other prizes.

The St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway was created in 1991 by Dr. Donald Mack, a pediatric physician from Shreveport, Louisiana. Dr. Mack has relied on St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to treat young patients with catastrophic diseases and was the first doctor to send an out-of-state patient to St. Jude. The first St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway house was constructed in Shreveport, Louisiana, and raised $160,000 for the hospital. Since that first giveaway, the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway in Shreveport has become an annual fundraiser, raising more than $23 million for the hospital.

Today, the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway is one of the largest single-event fundraisers for St. Jude nationwide and has raised more than $290 million. Thanks to all of the sponsors involved with the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway program. Your continuous support means families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing and food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

Get your tickets for the Colorado Springs St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway to be eligible to win the house and the Early Bird Prizes. Thanks to Covington Homes for donating time and materials to help St. Jude kids and for building the beautiful St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway house.

]]>http://www.dreamhomescoloradosprings.com/Blog/St-Jude-Dream-Home-Giveaway-2http://www.dreamhomescoloradosprings.com/Blog/St-Jude-Dream-Home-Giveaway-2Sun, 12 Mar 2017 01:00:00 GMTRoger Herman Recognized as Top 200 Most Powerful Leaders in Real Estate​Denver, CO — Roger Herman, President and CEO of Shorewood Real Estate, was recently recognized as one of the top 200 most powerful and influential leaders in real estate by Swanepoel Power 200 for the second year in a row.

Herman, a well known leader in today’s real estate industry, began his career in 1989 as a licensed REALTOR® and over the years held several management roles, now as the President and CEO of Shorewood Real Estate. Prior to the formation of The Herman Group (THG), Mr. Herman was President of Prudential Florida WCI Realty, an operating subsidiary of the publicly traded company on the NYSE “WCI”. Herman aligned the Prudential brand with WCI on July 1, 1999.

Roger Herman started this company with 60 REALTORS® and 3 offices with approximately $100 million in sales. Over the next 5 years, Herman grew and expanded the company to 32 offices with over 1,500 REALTORS® and employees and a total sales volume of 4.1 billion in 2004.

Following these major accomplishments, Herman ventured off to develop The Herman Group by acquiring Cherry Creek Properties in Denver in 2004, an additional acquisition in South Florida in 2009 and a major expansion in the Las Vegas market. Shorewood Real Estate now operates 9 offices in 3 states (CO, FL and NV) with 400+ REALTORS® and employees. In 2015 and 2016 Shorewood was recognized by Real Trends and RISMedia as one of the top 60 residential real estate brokerages across all brands and companies in the United States. Most recently, Herman was recognized as one of real estates top 200 most powerful and influential leaders in the U.S by Swanepoel Power 200. He currently resides in Denver, CO with his wife and children.

“Roger’s leadership is one of the biggest reasons I joined the team several years ago," said Eric Estrada, Vice President of Shorewood Real Estate. “His unique business approach sets our products and services apart from our competitor’s and includes our very own luxury digital newspaper. ”

With approximately 400 real estate professionals nationwide, Shorewood Real Estate operates in Colorado, Florida and Nevada. They specialize in residential real estate and worldwide relocation. For more information on joining Shorewood’s growing team of professionals, please contact Elizabeth Alexander at elizabeth.alexander@shorewood.com.

]]>http://www.dreamhomescoloradosprings.com/Blog/Roger-Herman-Recognized-as-Top-200-Most-Powerful-Leaders-in-Real-Estatehttp://www.dreamhomescoloradosprings.com/Blog/Roger-Herman-Recognized-as-Top-200-Most-Powerful-Leaders-in-Real-EstateSat, 04 Feb 2017 01:00:00 GMTCharity Giving During the Holiday SeasonWith the holiday season upon us, Secretary of State Wayne Williams asks Coloradans to give generously to their favorite charities but also to give wisely by guarding against scams. "It is important for Coloradans to research the charities they support and trust that their donations are being used prudently," Williams said.

"To this end, we encourage everyone to use CheckTheCharity.com to learn more about their favorite charities before making donations."

Here are the Secretary of State's Top 10 wise giving tips:
1. Ask for the registration number of the charity and paid solicitor.
2. Make a note of the individual caller's first and last name and the name of the telemarketing company that employs the caller.
3. Ask the solicitor how much of the donation will go to the charity, whether the donation is tax deductible, and what charitable programs it will support.
4. If solicited in person, ask for the solicitor's identification and registration number.
5. Resist pressure to give on the spot, whether from a telemarketer or door-to-door solicitor, and beware if they thank you for making a pledge you don't remember making. If you feel uncomfortable, just say, "No, thank you."
6. Do not pay in cash. Donate by check made payable to the charity or use the charity's website to donate by credit card.
7. Make sure you are visiting the official website of the charity you wish to support, and beware of look alike websites, especially if you are asked to provide personal financial information.
8. Research the charity's disclosure and financial statements on the Secretary of State's web site.
9. Be wary if the charity fails to provide detailed information about its identity, mission, finances and how the donation will be used. Reputable charities will gladly provide the information requested.
10. Watch out for charities with names that sound similar to well-known organizations. These sound-alike names are intended to confuse.

Most charities that solicit contributions in Colorado are required to register with the Secretary of State. The registration filings include information about the organization's leadership, mission, financial efficiency, and commercial fundraisers. Paid solicitors that raise funds in Colorado also register, and their disclosure forms show the duration and results of any solicitation campaigns conducted.

Colorado residents may also access the state's annual reports on charitable giving at http://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/charities/annualReports.html. The reports analyze and illustrate the information reported by registered charities and paid solicitors, most notably the results of the joint solicitation campaigns they conducted during the previous year.

Consumers should report suspected fraudulent charitable solicitations to the Colorado Secretary of State's Office or the Attorney General's Office.

]]>http://www.dreamhomescoloradosprings.com/Blog/Charity-Giving-During-the-Holiday-Seasonhttp://www.dreamhomescoloradosprings.com/Blog/Charity-Giving-During-the-Holiday-SeasonSat, 03 Dec 2016 01:00:00 GMT#Monday Market UpdateThis week we have some good news! Mortgage rates have risen slightly but are lower than rates a year ago making this a great time to buy a home. Colorado Springs made the top ten "Best Places to Retire in 2016" along with several other Colorado Cities. Lastly, you can win a home in the 3rd Annual St Jude Home Giveaway in June.

My team is happy to answer any questions about the current real estate market or questions you have on buying or selling in today's market.

Win a Covington Home on June 10, 2016 values at $350,000. This years home features 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and a tandem 3 car garage with over 3,000 square feet in the popular Banning Lewis Ranch in northeast Colorado Springs. The annual fundraiser is the single largest fundraiser for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Get your ticket today to win this beautiful home.

St Jude Children’s Research Hospital will give away a new home valued at $350,000 on June 10,2016 from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm on KKTV 11 News in Colorado Springs. Tickets for the home and many other prizes will make a difference in the lives of children with cancer.This years home is being built by Covington homes and is located at 7024 Jagged Rock, Colorado Springs, CO 80927.

Open House weekends begin April 30th so mark your calendars. The 3,100 square foot house features an open floor plan, gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops and finished basement. Get your ticket. The St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway was created in 1991 by Dr. Donald Mack, a pediatric physician from Shreveport, Louisiana. Dr. Mack has relied on St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to treat young patients with catastrophic diseases and was the first doctor to send an out-of-state patient to St. Jude.

The first St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway house was constructed in Shreveport, Louisiana, and raised $160,000 for the hospital. Since that first giveaway, the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway in Shreveport has become an annual fundraiser, raising more than $23 million for the hospital. Today, the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway is one of the largest single-event fundraisers for St. Jude nationwide and has raised more than $290 million. Thanks to all of the sponsors involved with the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway program. Your continuous support means families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing and food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

Get your tickets for the Colorado Springs St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway to be eligible to win the house and the Early Bird Prize: a five-night trip for two with nonstop airfare and hotel in Riviera Maya, Mexico, courtesy of Apple Vacations and Riu Palace Riviera Maya. Thanks to our builder Covington Homes for donating time and materials to help St. Jude kids and for building the beautiful St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway house.

]]>http://www.dreamhomescoloradosprings.com/Blog/St-Jude-Dream-Home-Giveawayhttp://www.dreamhomescoloradosprings.com/Blog/St-Jude-Dream-Home-GiveawayTue, 03 May 2016 01:00:00 GMTMarch Contest Winner!THANKS. We are so grateful to have awesome customers! Thank you so much to everyone who participated in our March Fun Day Quiz contest!

A lot of people participated and the lucky winner for the $25 Olive Garden Gift Card is Bonnie Moss, who answered correctly that the month of March was named after the Roman God Mars.

Thank you to everyone who entered! You can be a winner too! Join us for the April contest, where you can win a $25 Gift card to Outback Steakhouse!

Need help with real estate? Call our home selling team today at 719.337.7611 or visit us online to see what is going on in the real estate industry.

]]>http://www.dreamhomescoloradosprings.com/Blog/March-Contest-Winnerhttp://www.dreamhomescoloradosprings.com/Blog/March-Contest-WinnerWed, 20 Apr 2016 01:00:00 GMTERA HERMAN GROUP REAL ESTATE EXPANDSERA Herman Group Real Estate recently announced the expansion of ERA Herman Group in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. The new office will continue serving consumers in South Florida and will be located at 9000 Burma Road, Suite 111, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33403.

ERA Herman Group has been serving home buyers and sellers in Florida for nearly 7 years and is excited to expand its office to better serve the local community. This expansion is a reflection of the national growth The Herman Group Companies has experienced in recent years. ERA Herman Group Florida has over 100 real estate professionals and growing. “By expanding our company’s reach and resources, we are able to provide consumers in Florida with more convenient access to our signature products and services” said Roger Herman, President/CEO for ERA Herman Group. “Our new location allows residents in this community the opportunity to experience firsthand ERA Herman Group’s commitment to innovation, collaboration and superior service.”

In 2013 ERA Herman Group Florida was recognized nationally for their superior service relocating families to and from the Florida area. Florida offices recently collected new, unwrapped toys as an official drop-off site for the US Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, a charity ERA Herman Group supports annually. Over 100 toys were donated.

With approximately 1000 real estate professionals nationwide, The Herman Group (THG) companies operate offices in California, Colorado, Florida and Nevada. THG owns multiple brands including ERA Herman Group, Shorewood REALTORS®, Asset Management Real Estate (AMRE) and multiple title companies nationwide. They specialize in residential real estate and world-wide relocation. Each individual office tailors to their local community needs and continually strives to better the quality of life through community partnerships and volunteering.

For more information on joining The Herman Group’s growing team of professionals or if you know someone who is moving to Florida and is looking for a real estate agent in the area please contact Elizabeth Alexander at (719) 337-7611.

]]>http://www.dreamhomescoloradosprings.com/Blog/ERA-HERMAN-GROUP-REAL-ESTATE-EXPANDShttp://www.dreamhomescoloradosprings.com/Blog/ERA-HERMAN-GROUP-REAL-ESTATE-EXPANDSMon, 09 Feb 2015 01:00:00 GMTFebruary Contest Winner!THANKS. We are so grateful to have awesome customers! Thank you so much to everyone who participated in our February Fun Day Quiz contest!

A lot of people participated and the lucky winner for the $25 Amazon Gift Card is Donna Anders, who answered correctly that the first successful heart transplant occurred in 1967 in the country of South Africa!

Thank you to everyone who entered! You can be a winner too! Join us for the March contest, where you can win a $25 Gift card to PF Changs!

Need help with real estate? Call our home selling team today at 719.337.7611 or visit us online to see what is going on in the real estate industry.

]]>http://www.dreamhomescoloradosprings.com/Blog/February-Contest-Winnerhttp://www.dreamhomescoloradosprings.com/Blog/February-Contest-WinnerMon, 09 Feb 2015 01:00:00 GMTJanuary Contest Winner!THANKS. We are so grateful to have awesome customers! Thank you so much to everyone who participated in our January Fun Day Quiz contest!

A lot of people participated and the lucky winner for the $25 Amazon Gift Card is Laurie Black, who answered correctly that the New Year's Ball tradition in Times Square began in 1907!

Thank you to everyone who entered! You can be a winner too! Join us for the February contest, where you can win a $25 Amazon Gift card!

Need help with real estate? Call our team today at 719.337.7611 or visit us online to see what is going on in the real estate industry.

Having a Colorado Springs, Fountain or Monument home for sale as autumn swings into full bloom has more than one advantage. Number one, this is not a looky-loo season—many home shoppers at this time of year tend to be serious-minded because many are hoping to be moved in by the holidays. During the holiday season many other owners will wait until spring to put up their own Colorado Springs home for sale, if you are listing now, you can usually count on a narrower amount of competition.

Holiday Decor

It’s the Holiday Advantage: a time of year loaded with eye-catching decorating ideas. When the leaves start to change, it’s time to take advantage of the autumn decorations that can make any Colorado Springs home for sale extra inviting.

Scents of Autumn

Using scents can be central to fall decorating. These seasonal aromas can trigger positive memories for the visitors to your home. Scented candles add ambiance to your house. You can tie cinnamon sticks around your candles, or add a few drops of cinnamon oil to your potpourri or fall arrangements (just don’t overdo it)!

Fall: a Season for Comfort

If you’re thinking warm fires and plush throws to emphasize the coziness of the season, you’ll make it happen. A comfortable home highlighted with holiday colors sets a scene that boosts the beauty of a home for sale unlike any other time of the year.

Whether you have already listed your Colorado Springs home for sale, or are just now setting the stage, give me a call to put together a marketing blitz that will use the season to make that sale happen!

]]>http://www.dreamhomescoloradosprings.com/Blog/Holiday-Season-and-Colorado-Springs-Homes-for-Salehttp://www.dreamhomescoloradosprings.com/Blog/Holiday-Season-and-Colorado-Springs-Homes-for-SaleTue, 14 Oct 2014 01:00:00 GMTDiscover the Strength in YouCOLORADO SPRINGS - Ready to put your life on a healthy track, overcome hurdles and meet your fitness goals? Learn training and nutrition tips, see work out demonstrations in Pilates, Yoga, Kettlebell and stretching at the Gold Hill Mesa Health Fair!. Loosen tense muscles with chair massages, relax with microderm hand treatments and hear from world class athletes who will motivate you to go for the gold with your personal health.

]]>http://www.dreamhomescoloradosprings.com/Blog/Discover-the-Strength-in-Youhttp://www.dreamhomescoloradosprings.com/Blog/Discover-the-Strength-in-YouMon, 10 Mar 2014 01:00:00 GMTERA Herman Group Opens New Office in Southern CaliforniaERA Herman Group is excited to welcome Shorewood Realtors of Southern California into the Herman Group Family of Companies. s faithful clients have returned to Shorewood for their outstanding service. Shorewood has over 280 highly trained real estate agents who cover areas such as Palos Verdes Estates, El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and other areas within LA.

Shorewood Realtors has an average sales price of $1,000,000 and is the number one company in the South Bay market of LA County. They have proven to be one of the top luxury real estate companies in the nation. Just like our Herman Group Companies, Shorewood Realtors commitment has been to offer “one stop” satisfaction for every real estate need.

We are thrilled to kick off 2014 with such outstanding growth opportunity and momentum! If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Alexander at ERA Herman Group Real Estate.

]]>http://www.dreamhomescoloradosprings.com/Blog/Colorado-Springs-Tree-Recycling-Programhttp://www.dreamhomescoloradosprings.com/Blog/Colorado-Springs-Tree-Recycling-ProgramMon, 30 Dec 2013 01:00:00 GMTWhat You Should Know About Your Home and Your 2013 Taxes

It’s the last year for three sweet home tax benefits, but the first for a way simpler home office deduction.

These days few things start a fight on Capitol Hill faster than taxes. Despite the fact that three important tax benefits used by millions of American homeowners are days from expiring, Congress is unlikely to do anything to re-up them any time soon.

So if you’re eligible, tax year 2013 is possibly the last time to claim the private mortgage insurance (PMI) deduction, the energy tax credit, and debt forgiveness benefit, all of which all expire on Dec. 31, 2013.

At least there’s one piece of good news for homeowners: If you have a home office, there’s a new, simpler option for calculating the home office deduction for which you may qualify on your 2013 taxes.

Meanwhile, here’s what you need to know about those expiring benefits as you ready your taxes:

PMI Deduction

This tax rule lets you deduct the cost of private mortgage insurance, which is what you pay your lender each month if you put down less than 20% on a home. PMI protects the lender if you default on the home loan. Your deduction could amount to a couple hundred dollars depending on your tax bracket and other factors.

Find out if you qualify for and how to take the PMI deduction.

Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

This sweet little tax credit lets you offset what you owe the IRS dollar-for-dollar for up to 10% of the amount you spent on certain home energy-efficiency upgrades, from insulation to water heaters. On the downside, the credit is capped at $500 (less in some cases). But on the bright side, the right improvement could lower your utility bills indefinitely.

Related: Take back your energy bills with these high-ROI energy-efficiency practices.

Debt Forgiveness

When you go through a short sale, foreclosure, or deed-in-lieu, your lender typically lets you off the hook for some or all of what you owe on your mortgage.

That forgiven mortgage debt is income, on which you’d typically have to pay income tax.

Suppose you’re in financial distress and your lender agrees to let you short-sell your home, say for $50,000 less than you owe on the mortgage, and forgive you for the balance. Without the protection of the Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Act, you’ll owe income tax on that $50,000.

It’s likely if you had the money to pay income tax on $50,000, you’d have used it to pay your mortgage in the first place.

New Simplified Option for the Home Office Deduction

This may be the last year for the benefits above, but a new one kicks in for the 2013 tax year. If you work from home, you may qualify to use a new, simplified option for claiming the home office deduction when you file your 2013 taxes.

How much simpler is it? It lets you claim $5 per sq. ft. for up to 300 sq. ft. instead of having to compute the actual expenses of your home office using a 43-line form. To calculate the square footage of your office, just multiply the length of two walls. For example, an 8-by-10-foot room is 80 sq. ft. And at $5 per, that’s $400.

Although using the simplified option is obviously easier, the basic requirements for claiming the home office deduction haven’t changed. Your home office still must be used for business purposes:

Exclusively, and

On a regular basis.

Related: Which Home Office Set-Ups Qualify for a Deduction?

Why Might the Tax Benefits Not Be Renewed?

Although the expiring tax benefits were renewed retroactively in past years, that may not happen in 2014 because many in Congress would like to see comprehensive tax reform rather than scattershot renewals of individual provisions. This could delay a decision on the homeownership tax benefits until the big picture budget and tax issues are resolved.

We get lots of buyers looking for homes in the Cheyenne Meadows neighborhood. This was a great home, and we found the right buyer who purchased it.

At ERA Real Estate, we are here to help you with any type of property you may be considering selling or even buying.

FREE!Call me for a complementary evaluation of your home today at 719-337-7611.

Elizabeth Alexander has sold another home in the Cheyenne Meadows community.

]]>http://www.dreamhomescoloradosprings.com/Blog/SOLD-Elizabeth-sells-Cheyenne-Meadows-Homehttp://www.dreamhomescoloradosprings.com/Blog/SOLD-Elizabeth-sells-Cheyenne-Meadows-HomeThu, 19 Dec 2013 01:00:00 GMTShould I Buy a Home Now?I'm often asked if this is a good time to buy a home. Some clients are concerned that home prices may fall down the road, while others are convinced that home prices will go up.

Home prices are one factor in determining your cost of ownership, but so are interest rates and financing availability. Even though interest rates have fluctuated, they are still near historic lows. Since your monthly mortgage payment is a combination of paying down your principal and paying the interest owed, a one point rise in interest rates could cost tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage!

While a home is a major investment, it is also the center of your personal life. It's important to live in a home that reflects your taste and values, yet is within your financial "comfort zone." To that end, it may be more important to lock in today's relatively low interest rates while they are still available.

Please give me a call if I can be of any assistance in determining how much home you can afford in today's market.